Does anyone hear of a vegetable named “Malunggay”? I know you’re here because you want to know much more about this vegetable. I got you! Let’s Begin!
Malunggay is a tropical tree that grows in the Philippines, India, and Africa. The Malunggay is also known as moringa, drumstick tree, horseradish tree, or ben oil tree in English.
Malunggay Scientific Name is Moringa Oleifera.
Malunggay Leaves Benefits
Malunggay leaves are used as a vegetable in Filipino, Indian, and African cuisine. The leaves are rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, and protein. Malunggay leaves can be eaten cooked or raw. They can be used in soups, stews, curries, salads, and other dishes. Malunggay leaves are also used to make tea.
Malunggay extract is sometimes used as a dietary supplement. Some people believe that malunggay can boost milk production in nursing mothers, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
Malunggay leaves are also used as a natural remedy for various ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, and diarrhea. There is some scientific evidence to support the use of malunggay leaves for these conditions, but more research is needed.
Malunggay leaves are safe to eat in moderate amounts. However, eating large quantities of malunggay leaves can cause digestive problems such as bloating and gas. If you experience these side effects, stop eating malunggay leaves and see your doctor. Malunggay leaves are a healthy addition to your diet. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help boost your health.
Malunggay Benefits
Malunggay is a nutrient-rich food that can be beneficial to your health in many ways. Here are some of the potential benefits of malunggay:
1. Boosts Immunity
Malunggay leaves are rich in vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient for immunity. Vitamin C helps white blood cells function properly and protects them from damage. It also helps the body produce collagen, a protein that helps wounds heal. Studies have shown that vitamin C can help reduce the duration and severity of respiratory infections such as the common cold (1).
2. Promotes Heart Health
Malunggay leaves are also a good source of potassium. Potassium is a type of electrolyte that helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate. It also helps keep fluid levels balanced in the body. A diet high in potassium can help reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases (2).
3. Reduces Inflammation
Malunggay leaves contain compounds such as kaempferol and quercetin, which have anti-inflammatory properties (3). These compounds can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which may lead to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.
4. Improves Digestion
The fiber content of malunggay leaves can help improve digestion and promote regularity (4). Fiber adds bulk to stool and helps food move through the digestive tract more smoothly. This can help relieve constipation and other digestive issues.
5. Promotes Weight Loss
Malunggay leaves are low in calories but high in fiber, which makes them a great food for weight loss. Fiber helps you feel fuller for longer and can promote weight loss by reducing calorie intake (5). Additionally, the antioxidants in malunggay leaves can help boost metabolism and burn fat more effectively (6).
6. Prevents Anemia
Malunggay leaves are rich in iron, which is essential for preventing anemia. Iron helps your body produce hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to all parts of the body. A lack of iron can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms of anemia (7).
7. Improves Skin Health
The antioxidants in malunggay leaves can help protect the skin from damage and promote a healthy complexion (8). Additionally, the vitamin C content of malunggay leaves can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Vitamin C is also needed for the production of collagen, which helps keep skin smooth and elastic (9).
8. Boosts Milk Production
Malunggay leaves have been traditionally used to boost milk production in nursing mothers. Some studies have found that taking malunggay supplements can increase milk production in lactating women (10). However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.
9. Prevents Birth Defects
Malunggay leaves are a good source of folic acid, which is essential for pregnant women. Folic acid helps prevent birth defects in the brain and spine (11). It’s important to get enough folic acid during early pregnancy, as many birth defects occur in the first few weeks after conception.
10. Reduces Symptoms of diabetes
Malungay leaves can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce symptoms of diabetes. A study in rats found that malunggay leaf extract was effective at lowering blood sugar levels and preventing damage to pancreatic cells (12). However, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Malunggay leaves are a nutrient-rich food that offers several health benefits. They’re especially high in vitamin C, potassium, and iron. Additionally, they contain compounds that can help reduce inflammation and promote weight loss. Malunggay leaves are also traditionally used to boost milk production in nursing mothers.
- Used to combat malnutrition, especially among infants and nursing mothers. Contains vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, iron, and protein.
- This has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties.
- This helps strengthen cells so that people with cancer can tolerate chemotherapy
- This is considered in the treatment of prostate cancer and skin cancer
- This is traditionally used to prevent and treat inflammations associated with rheumatism, arthritis, and joint pains.
- This is widely believed to have an aphrodisiac action that enhances sexual activity. Malunggay or moringa oleifera young leaves are also widely used to increase the flow of milk for lactating mothers.